If you are looking to purchase a home, you’ve probably already made a list of must-haves (number of bedrooms, lot size, updated kitchen, etc.) and can’t-stands. One more thing to consider during your house hunt is whether or not you want to purchase a home with a basement.
Many homes in Wisconsin have basements, but you can also find homes that sit on a crawlspace-style foundation or even a concrete slab. While basements are an awesome way to add square footage without broadening your home’s footprint, there are also some downsides to these extra-large underground spaces.
Here is our handy guide to understanding the pros and cons of having a basement in your home:
Basement Pros
Added square footage
One of the great things about purchasing a home with a basement is that you get a whole extra floor! Whether finished or unfinished, the extra square footage of a basement provides ample opportunity to spread out without adding to the home’s footprint. This is especially helpful in homes on small lots or those with limited square footage on the upper floors.
Basements also tend to be more energy-efficient than upper floors because they are built at least partially below ground. This provides insulation which keeps them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without shelling out extra energy (and cost) from your HVAC system.
Multi-purpose use
If you purchase a home with a basement, the possibilities for how you use the extra space are endless. For those with larger families, a basement can provide extra living space or guest space. You may want to use the basement as a rec room, entertainment space, or to explore fun hobbies like crafting or brewing beer. Some people like to turn at least a section of the basement into a workout space, and we have even seen homes with built-in wine cellars!
More storage
Another great benefit of a basement is the opportunity for extra storage space. Keeping things organized and stored in the basement can keep upper floors clear of clutter and free up room in the garage to, you know, park your car.
Privacy
A basement living, guest, or entertainment space provides a great retreat from the rest of the home. Kids can play in the basement while adults are hanging out upstairs, and guests can have some privacy when staying over. Basements with a bathroom, kitchenette, and exterior door can even provide the opportunity of renting the space out for extra income.
Access to utilities
Basements are also useful because they allow you and others to easily access ducts, wires, pipes, and other elements of your utility systems. This means that maintenance, repairs, or replacements of these systems is much more convenient and, consequently, cheaper.
Basement Cons
Moisture issues
The biggest “con” to purchasing a home with a basement is the likelihood that you’ll have to deal with moisture issues. Water is tricky; it can enter your basement through even the smallest hole or crack and cause major damage over time. Most basements lack windows and are not ventilated well, so they accumulate humidity and moisture quickly and provide an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Water in your basement can damage carpets, drywall, stored belongings, and mold and mildew can cause health problems. At the first sign of basement moisture, call in an expert like Zablocki!
Unhelpful landscaping
One surefire way to encourage basement moisture is buying a home where the ground around the foundation slopes towards it. This means that melting snow, ice, rain, and groundwater are primed to run right towards the home’s foundation and will likely find a way to wiggle their way inside. Be sure to look for a home where the ground around the foundation slopes away or budget for a landscape overhaul.
The subsoil surrounding the basement can also increase the likelihood of moisture issues. Certain types of soil, like clay, drain water more slowly, giving it more chance to seep into the basement.
Pest problems
Everyone wants to get inside during Wisconsin’s cold winters and that includes rodents, insects, and other pests. Window wells, cracks, or even the smallest hole in a basement wall can act as a doorway for critters you would surely rather not share your living space with.
Whether you decide to purchase a home with a basement or one on a concrete slab or crawlspace, you will need to do at least a little work to maintain your home’s foundation. Here at Zablocki Waterproofing, we have decades of experience serving customers in Milwaukee and surrounding communities with high-quality basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. For questions or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today!
